The humble Chinese dumpling is in hot water - an awful pun, I know - this week after thousands of people in Japan complained that frozen "gyoza" imported from China had made them ill.

Having induced vomiting and diarrhoea in their victims, the tiny parcels of meat, garlic and vegetables now risk embroiling the east Asia rivals in yet another diplomatic fracas.

If sections of the Japanese media are to be believed, no foodstuff carrying a "made in China" label can be trusted, while Taro Aso, a former foreign minister and infamous China baiter, put his own inimitable spin on the scare by suggesting that Japanese farmers should be grateful to China, as it had "added value" to their produce.

Sadly, many Japanese would seem to share his dim view of Chinese produce, if this recent survey, broken down by the ever helpful What Japan Thinks, is any indication.

Gyoza are second only to ramen noodles in the affections of Chinese food fanatics on this side of the East China Sea.

The town of Utsunomiya, the self-proclaimed home of the Japanese gyoza, has declared its speciality safe to eat.

Some residents of Japan refuse to allow the dumpling debacle to ruin their enjoyment. Nick Ramsay, a Brit who can be found at LongCountdown, happily tucked into a plate of imported gyoza ... and lived to tell the tale.

For those who lack Mr Ramsay's pluck, Japan Guide shows you how to make your own.